The 2025 panel explored the experiences of disabled musicians, the pressures they face, and practical steps festivals can take to ensure equitable participation. Photo: The MU.
The MU welcomes the announcement that Liverpool Sound City will introduce Access Riders for all speakers and artists at the 2026 festival, marking a significant step forward for accessibility and inclusion across the UK’s live music sector.
This move follows last year’s MU‑led disability access panel, demonstrating real progress driven through collaboration between the Union and one of the country’s most forward‑thinking festivals.
By adopting Access Riders, Sound City joins a growing movement across UK festivals
An Access Rider is an essential tool for disabled musicians, speakers and creative professionals. It is a document outlining a performer’s access needs so organisers can fully understand and meet them, ensuring the artist can work safely and confidently.
While riders are common in the performance world, Access Riders focus on core requirements such as mobility support, quiet spaces, accessible stage routes, adapted equipment or communication support. They give artists a clear and early way to communicate their needs, allowing festivals time to make adjustments and creating safer, more inclusive working environments for everyone.
For many disabled musicians, disclosing access requirements can feel daunting. However, Access Riders help open these conversations in a structured, supportive way, removing risk for performers and ensuring barriers are addressed before work begins.
By adopting Access Riders, Sound City joins a growing movement across UK festivals to normalise access discussions and improve equality in the live music workplace.
“We want to reassure everyone we work with that their needs will be met”
Reflecting on the decision, Sound City Production Manager Sean Knibb said: “As we move into the 19th edition of Sound City Music Festival, I am very proud of the steps we are taking to make Sound City accessible for everyone we have involved. From artists, speakers, crew, and the fans, we want to provide the best experience for all involved.
“After some discussion following the 2025 edition, we realised it is time we implemented access riders for our speakers and artists who make the festival so great. We want to reassure everyone we work with that their needs will be met. This will hopefully make the performances and panels better for all involved at Sound City 2026.”
Access Riders are a commitment to treating disabled artists with dignity, professionalism and respect
This development builds on the MU North of England and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) department’s Access All Areas panel at the 2025 Sound City Conference.
The event, featuring MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, alongside activists and musicians Maddie Morris and Stu and Keith Xander (Xander and the Peace Pirates), explored the experiences of disabled musicians, the pressures they face, and practical steps festivals can take to ensure equitable participation.
John Shortell welcomed the approach, saying: “So often we talk about access, but this doesn’t always lead to action. It’s fantastic to see that Sound City listened to disabled artists and audiences and took action to make the event more accessible. Implementing the MU Access Rider is a positive step forward in opening up the conversation around access for disabled musicians.”
As Sound City prepares for 2026, the MU encourages more festivals, promoters and venues to follow this example. Implementing Access Riders is not only practical—it's a commitment to treating disabled artists with dignity, professionalism and respect.
With this announcement, Liverpool Sound City sets a new benchmark for the UK’s live music sector, ensuring artists’ needs are properly supported.
The MU’s North of England team will announce details of their 2026 Liverpool Sound City panel in the coming weeks.